Morning briefing, 31 October: Eskom transition, grant dates and the day ahead

Eskom’s finance leadership transition takes effect today, Saturday, 31 October, while Gauteng prepares for the Soweto Derby. Friday’s matric examination update and the next November grant payment dates also feature in South Africa’s morning briefing.

Eskom’s CFO transition takes effect

Calib Cassim’s tenure as Eskom’s group chief financial officer and executive director ends today. The utility said in a notice issued on Friday that he would continue as acting group CFO until his successor’s appointment becomes effective.

The notice did not name a successor or give an effective appointment date. The acting arrangement concerns the finance role; it does not say he will remain an executive director. Read EBNewsDaily’s report on the transition.

Matric exams: Friday’s progress report

The Department of Basic Education said on Friday that no major incidents had been reported that threatened the overall credibility of the National Senior Certificate examinations.

It said it was monitoring reports of taxi-related violence in parts of the Western Cape because of the potential impact on transport to examination centres. The department said it was working with provincial education authorities and other officials to limit disruption.

Grant dates to keep in mind

Under SASSA’s revised November timetable, disability grants are scheduled for Monday, 2 November, and child grants for Tuesday, 3 November. Thursday, 5 November, is set aside for beneficiaries whose grants are under review.

The schedule provided for older persons grants from Friday, 30 October. SASSA has asked people under review to respond to official communications and attend requested appointments.

Today’s derby and safety programme

The PSL lists Orlando Pirates against Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium for 15:30 today. Gauteng’s government has scheduled a media engagement on its security operations at the Nasrec precinct for 11:00.

Friday’s provincial statement outlined plans for traffic management, patrols, drone surveillance and mobile command-and-control support. All times are SAST.

Health update

The National Institute for Communicable Diseases recorded 26 laboratory-confirmed mpox cases in South Africa since the start of 2026, with four active cases, as of Friday, 30 October.

Saturday’s weather

AccuWeather’s forecasts for 31 October, checked at about 07:03 SAST, indicate:

• Johannesburg: Mostly sunny and very warm, with a high of about 33°C and an overnight low of about 17°C.
• Pretoria: Sunshine and heat, reaching 34°C, with an evening thunderstorm forecast and an overnight low of 18°C.
• Cape Town: Mostly cloudy, with a high of about 23°C, clearing overnight and a low of about 14°C.